Hong Kong Visa Extension 2027: Visitor & Work Visa Rules, Fees

If you're on a work or talent visa (GEP, TTPS, QMAS, IANG and similar) or are their dependant, you can apply to extend your stay up to three months before it expires, and the Immigration Department says you should apply at least six weeks before. Under the Immigration Department's tightened 2026 guidance, a pending application no longer lets you stay: unless the extension is approved, you must leave Hong Kong before your limit of stay runs out. Extensions under these schemes cost HK$600 to apply plus HK$1,300 for a visa of more than 180 days. Visitors can only extend for a special or urgent need, applying online within 14 days of expiry, for HK$330.

This guide covers both kinds of extension: employment and talent visas, and visitor stays. It explains the 2026 changes, timing, fees, documents and what to do if your job changes. For an overview of the visa routes themselves, see our Hong Kong work visa guide.

What Changed for Visa Extensions in 2026?

Two things, and the second one matters most.

1. A wider filing window. From 1 March 2026, people admitted under the GEP, ASMTP, TechTAS, IANG, QMAS and the second-generation scheme, and their dependants, can apply to extend within three months of their limit of stay expiring, according to the government. The Top Talent Pass Scheme has had the same window since 1 November 2024.
2. No more staying on a pending application. The Immigration Department now says that unless the Director of Immigration approves an extension in exceptional circumstances, you must leave Hong Kong before your limit of stay expires, even if your application is still being processed. Overstaying is a criminal offence.

In practice: apply early, and don't assume a receipt from the Immigration Department lets you stay past the date on your visa.

If your extension depends on keeping or changing your job, it helps to know what's out there. You can browse English-speaking roles on ExpatJobBoard.com. We list thousands of jobs in Hong Kong that don't require Cantonese or Mandarin.

When Should You Apply to Extend a Work Visa?

Source: Immigration Department dependant visa page; HKSAR Government announcement on extension arrangements for talent admission schemes.

The Immigration Department says specified scheme extensions usually take two to three weeks once it has all documents and the fee, but this isn't guaranteed. Six weeks gives you a buffer for missing documents or follow-up questions.

How Much Does a Hong Kong Visa Extension Cost?

According to the Immigration Department's fee table:

Source: Immigration Department fee table.

So a GEP extension of more than 180 days costs HK$1,900 in total: HK$600 to apply and HK$1,300 when approved. The application fee isn't refunded if you're refused.

How to Apply for a Work Visa Extension: Step by Step

Employment, talent scheme and dependant extensions must be made online; the paper form ID 91 isn't used for these schemes.

1. Check your limit of stay on your latest visa label or e-Visa. Put the date six weeks before it in your calendar.
2. Collect documents. Typically your passport, HKID card, current visa, an employer's letter or contract, recent payslips and tax demand notes. Dependants need proof of the sponsor's status and relationship.
3. Apply online through the GovHK extension of stay service for non-permanent residents while you're physically in Hong Kong.
4. Pay the HK$600 application fee when you submit.
5. Wait for the result, usually two to three weeks.
6. Pay the visa fee and download the e-Visa if approved.

If the decision hasn't arrived as your limit of stay approaches, contact the Immigration Department straight away. Don't simply stay on.

Can You Extend If You've Changed or Lost Your Job?

Not on the old basis. A GEP visa is tied to the employer that sponsored it. If you've changed employer, you need a change of employment approval, not just an extension. Our guide to changing jobs on a Hong Kong work visa explains how it works.

If you've lost your job, your visa doesn't vanish on the spot, but you can't extend it on the basis of a job you no longer have. Talk to the Immigration Department early, and look at whether TTPS, QMAS or a dependant visa fits. Our guide to termination rights in Hong Kong covers what happens to your visa if you're fired.

IANG holders have their own extension rules. Our IANG visa guide covers the conditions.

Can a Visitor Extend Their Stay in Hong Kong?

Only in limited circumstances. The Immigration Department says visitors who want to stay longer than their visa-free period should get a visa before travelling. An extension after arrival is for a special or urgent need, such as a family emergency or medical treatment, and each case is judged on its merits.

Source: Immigration Department online extension of stay service for visitors and fee table.

Visitors apply through the Immigration Department's online visitor extension service. Wanting a longer holiday or more time to job hunt is not a special need, and a visitor extension never lets you work. Our guide to working on a visitor visa in Hong Kong explains the limits.

Can Domestic Helpers Extend Their Visa?

Domestic helpers follow separate rules. According to the Immigration Department, extending the current contract by mutual agreement is limited to one month and only in exceptional circumstances, while home-leave deferrals normally don't exceed a year. Renewing with the same employer for a new two-year contract is a separate application, normally processed within 10 working days. Our domestic helper salary guide covers the costs of a renewal.

Common Mistakes With Hong Kong Visa Extensions

• Applying in the last two weeks. With the 2026 rules, a late application can leave you having to leave Hong Kong before the decision.
• Assuming a pending application means you can stay. It doesn't, unless the Director approves an exception.
• Applying from overseas. Most extension routes require you to be physically in Hong Kong when you apply.
• Extending after changing employer. You need a change of employment approval first.
• Forgetting dependants. Your spouse and children need their own extensions, filed alongside yours.

FAQs: Hong Kong Visa Extension

How early can I apply for a Hong Kong visa extension?

Under GEP, TTPS, QMAS, IANG, ASMTP, TechTAS and related schemes, and for their dependants, up to three months before your limit of stay expires. The Immigration Department says to apply at least six weeks before.

Can I stay in Hong Kong while my extension is being processed?

Not past your limit of stay. Under the Immigration Department's current guidance, you must leave before your limit of stay expires unless the Director of Immigration approves an extension in exceptional circumstances.

How much is a Hong Kong visa extension?

For talent and employment schemes, HK$600 to apply plus HK$1,300 for an extension of more than 180 days. For visitors and other categories, HK$330.

How long does a Hong Kong visa extension take?

Usually two to three weeks for specified scheme extensions once all documents and fees are received, and normally the next working day for online visitor applications.

Can a tourist extend their stay in Hong Kong?

Only for a special or urgent need, applying online within 14 days of expiry. Visitors who plan a longer stay should get a visa before travelling.

Can I extend my visa if I've changed jobs?

No. If you change employer on a GEP visa, you need approval for the change of employment rather than a simple extension.

Do I need to be in Hong Kong to apply for an extension?

Yes, for online applications. You must be physically in Hong Kong when you apply and when you collect the e-Visa.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Hong Kong?

Overstaying breaches your condition of stay, which is a criminal offence. It can also hurt future visa applications, so leave or get approval before your limit of stay.

Do dependants need to apply separately for an extension?

Yes. Each dependant needs their own extension, usually submitted at the same time as the main visa holder's.

Key Takeaways

• Talent and employment visa holders can apply up to three months before expiry, and should apply at least six weeks before.
• Under the 2026 guidance, a pending application doesn't let you stay past your limit of stay unless the Director approves.
• Talent scheme extensions cost HK$600 to apply plus HK$1,300 for more than 180 days.
• Processing usually takes two to three weeks once all documents are in.
• Visitors can only extend for special or urgent needs, within 14 days of expiry, for HK$330.
• Changing employer needs a change of employment approval, not an extension.

Need a New Job Before Your Visa Runs Out?

The safest extension is one backed by a job you want to keep. Browse thousands of English-speaking jobs on ExpatJobBoard.com, none of which require Cantonese or Mandarin.